Labrets

Labret is a term used for a type of body ornament worn in a pierced lip or cheek. The word can refer to the jewelry itself as well as to the piercing site, and in some contexts to the backing or disc that sits behind the lip or cheek to secure the ornament. In traditional use, labrets range from simple studs to larger discs or plates that fill a portion of the lip or cheek; in contemporary piercing practice, a labret stud with a straight post and a flat or decorative backing is common.

Materials used for labrets are diverse. Traditional pieces have been made from bone, ivory, wood, stone, or shell, while modern examples frequently use metals such as stainless steel, silver, or gold, and synthetic materials like acrylic. Sizes and designs vary widely, from discreet, small adornments to substantial forms intended to project prominently.

Cultural and social significance varies by region and era. In various Indigenous cultures of the Arctic and subarctic regions, lip labrets have marked status, group identity, or rites of passage. In parts of Africa, lip plates and related labret forms have been linked to beauty standards, wealth, or social roles. Labrets also appear in archaeological contexts across different continents, reflecting long-standing human practices of ornamentation and ceremony. In modern times, labrets remain popular in body modification communities for aesthetic expression and personal symbolism.